ABSTRACT
Geology as a recognized science is relatively young when compared to mathematics or chemistry. Much of its past has been influenced by myths or religious beliefs, and not until the late eighteenth century, did pieces of the puzzle that is earth science begin to fall into place. How the earth is structured, the forces at work within it, its surfaces and depths, millions of years of movements and upheavals, fossil records – these are all parts of the study of the geological sciences. Its study and development has been closely intertwined with the work of botanists, chemists, and physicists. Many early studies and discoveries were not made by geologists, but by others who happened to come across interesting quirks in the earth and delved further, hoping to find an explanation of mysteries that had confounded scientists for centuries. Earthquakes, floods, and volcanic activity have been attributed to many mysterious causes. For example, Aristotle declared that earthquakes were the result of underground winds, a view that was common for almost 2000 years. Volcanoes were thought to be the result of supernatural events or, depending on the culture, were the retribution of angry gods. Fossils were said to be unsuccessful attempts by nature to form plants and animals.
